Youth Development Worker

Livewest View All Jobs; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Pension contributions

Health benefits

Learning & development opportunities

Volunteer days

Job summary

LiveWest is seeking a Youth Development Worker to support young people in our Cornwall West services. You will provide one-to-one coaching, develop life skills and help young people work toward independent living through planned activities.

You will build trusting relationships, manage caseloads and coordinate with partner agencies while safeguarding at all times. Full-time roles with flexible arrangements possible for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people with varied needs and aspirations.
• Knowledge of homelessness, mental health and safeguarding considerations.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and develop support plans.

Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with young people through one-to-one support.
• Manage caseloads and maintain up-to-date plans and records.
• Provide coaching, advocacy and practical support tailored to each young person.
• Support employability, budgeting and independent living skills.
• Plan and deliver activities for learning and development.
• Facilitate access to education, training and employment opportunities.
• Work with partner agencies to safeguard young people.

Skills

Experience with young people

Homelessness awareness

Record keeping

Needs assessments

Safeguarding

Resilience

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education/training knowledge

Welfare and housing benefits

Level 3 qualification-or-progressing

Literacy and numeracy

Education

Level 3 qualification or equivalent

Job description

Are you passionate about helping young people build confidence, develop new skills and move towards a more independent future? As a Youth Development Worker within Supported Housing, you will provide a responsive, person-led service for young people with a range of strengths, needs and aspirations. Through one-to-one support, group activities and practical coaching, you will help young people work towards their goals, develop essential life skills and prepare for independent living.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Building positive, trusting and professional relationships with young people.
• Managing a caseload and maintaining clear, up-to-date support plans, risk assessments and case records.
• Providing one-to-one coaching, advocacy and practical support tailored to each young person.
• Supporting young people to develop their confidence, employability, budgeting and independent living skills.
• Planning and delivering activities that encourage learning, participation and personal development.
• Helping young people access education, training, employment and specialist support.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, external organisations and partner agencies.
• Safeguarding young people and contributing to a safe, inclusive and supportive service.

Why should I join LiveWest?

This is an opportunity to do meaningful work and make a lasting difference to young people's lives. You will join a supportive team where you can use your experience, build your skills and help young people recognise their strengths and achieve positive outcomes. This is a scheme-based role working across our Cornwall West services:

• Davy House, Penzance
• Coach House, Penzance
• Redruth Foyer, Redruth
• Carn Brea Foyer, Redruth

Most opportunities are full time, working 37 hours per week. We also welcome applications from people seeking part-time hours and can consider flexible arrangements for candidates with the right skills and experience. You will work on a rota, normally covering Monday to Friday within a bandwidth of 8:00am to 9:00pm, together with approximately one weekend in every four or five. Exact working arrangements may vary according to the needs of the service and the scheme where you are based. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups. Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

About The Candidate

To be successful in your application for the role of Youth Development Worker, you will have the essential skills and experience for a Level 1 role (please see candidate information pack) and the following role specific skills and experience:

Essential skills, experience, knowledge and qualifications

• Experience of working effectively with young people with varied strengths, needs and aspirations.
• An understanding of the challenges that can affect young people, including homelessness, mental health, substance misuse, self-harm and offending behaviour.
• Experience of maintaining accurate records and putting effective support or action plans in place.
• An understanding of needs assessments, risk assessments and safeguarding.
• The resilience and flexibility to respond to changing needs and challenging situations.
• The ability to work safely on your own and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Confidence when communicating with a wide range of people and assessing difficult situations.
• Knowledge of education, training and employment opportunities.
• An understanding of welfare and housing benefits.
• A Level 3 qualification, or equivalent, in a relevant subject such as youth work, health and social care, coaching, mental health or housing, or the ability to work towards one.
• A good standard of literacy and numeracy.

Desirable skills, experience, knowledge and qualifications

• An understanding of coaching approaches.
• Knowledge of housing-related support and housing management services.
• Knowledge of the Ofsted Supported Accommodation Regulations 2023.
• Knowledge of relevant children's legislation and guidance.
• Knowledge of relevant statutory and voluntary services.
• Relevant paid or voluntary experience.
• Safeguarding, coaching or Mental Health First Aid certification.

LiveWest Values and Inclusion

At LiveWest, we are united by a shared mission: to create a home for everyone. Each of us takes pride in playing our part in achieving this goal. Our values guide everything we do - from how we work together to how we deliver exceptional services to our customers. Collaboration is at the heart of LiveWest, and we believe that we achieve more when we deliver together. As one of the largest employers in the South West, our team of 1,800 talented colleagues provides a wide range of services to our 80,000 customers. We are passionate about nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for people within the communities we serve. We are committed to supporting our colleagues, giving them the autonomy and encouragement they need to thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we are building brighter futures for everyone.

Inclusion at LiveWest: At LiveWest, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We believe that our differences drive innovation, creativity, and excellence, and we strive to create an environment where all colleagues can thrive. As a proud member of Inclusive Employers, a Disability Confident Employer, and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are dedicated to supporting all our colleagues and ensuring that our workplace is welcoming and accessible to all. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team. LiveWest is dedicated to equal opportunity and actively works to eliminate discrimination and promote diversity at all levels. Join us in our mission to create vibrant and inclusive communities. Make a difference with LiveWest, where every voice is heard, and every contribution is valued. You can read more about Inclusion at LiveWest by visiting our website.

Our Reward and Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave: Start with 26 days, plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with length of service - and the option to purchase up to 5 extra days (pro rated for part time roles).
• Pension Contributions: Enjoy up to 9% employer contributions with our Defined Contribution scheme.
• Health Benefits and Perks: Access to a health care cash plan (worth up to £1,100 annually), virtual GP services, discounted gym memberships, and retail discounts including access to a Blue Light Card.
• Learning and Development: Invest in your future with ongoing personal and professional growth opportunities.
• Family Support: Policies designed to help you balance work and family life, including a new child payment.
• Wellbeing Matters: Prioritise your health with mental health support, enhanced sick pay, wellness campaigns, and free flu jabs.
• Smarter Travel: Save with our Cycle to Work and Car Benefit schemes.
• Giving Back: Up to four paid volunteering days a year to support our communities.